Collection

 The process of gathering, measuring, and analysing accurate data from various sources to find
answers to research questions, evaluate outcomes, and forecast trends and probabilities.
 Data collection is essential to make informed decisions, ensure quality assurance, and maintain
research integrity.
 There are different types of data
o Qualitative
 covers descriptions such as color, size, quality, and appearance
o Quantitative
 deals with numbers, such as statistics, percentages, etc
 Choice of data type depends on the aim and nature research.
 Some of the common data collection methods
o Experimental research
 A quantitative method
 Involves manipulating one or more variables and measuring their effects on
other variables.
 Experimental research is used to test hypotheses and establish causal
relationships.
o Surveys
 Involves asking questions to a sample of people, either through questionnaires
or interviews.
 Surveys can be quantitative or qualitative, depending on the type and format of
the questions.
 Surveys are used to collect data on opinions, attitudes, behaviors, or
characteristics of a population.
o Observations
 A method that involves watching and recording the behavior or phenomenon of
interest, either in a natural or controlled setting.
 Observations can be quantitative or qualitative, depending on the level of detail
and interpretation involved.
 Observations are used to collect data on actions, interactions, or processes that
are difficult to measure otherwise.
o Archival research
 A method that involves using existing sources of data, such as documents,
records, reports, or databases.
 Archival research can be quantitative or qualitative, depending on the type and
analysis of the data.
 Archival research is used to collect data on historical or contextual aspects of a
topic.
o Secondary data collection
 A method that involves using data that was collected by someone else for a
different purpose.
 Secondary data collection can be quantitative or qualitative, depending on the
source and use of the data. Secondary data collection is used to supplement or
compare with primary data collection